AU2016100698A4 - Cyclist’s glove - Google Patents

Abstract

A cyclist glove comprises an outside layer (11) provided with light source means (17, 18, 19, 20) and further comprising activation means, wherein the activation means comprises a contact switch (25) accommodated beneath the outside layer (11) between a hand entered into the glove and the outside layer. 18 19 20 21 Figure 1

Description

CYCLIST’S GLOVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns the field of cycling and in particular relates to a method of improving the safety of cyclists riding at night or in conditions of low visibility.

[0002] Cyclists are required by law to have working front and rear lights on their bicycles after dark. It is unusual for cycles to have the amber indicator lights found on powered vehicles and by which a visual indication of a change in direction may be given to following or oncoming traffic. Because of this a cyclist travelling at night or in low visibility conditions is particularly vulnerable when turning. The usual method of indicating to traffic that the cyclist is turning is to outstretch an arm in the direction to be turned. Needless to say, at night it is not easy to see such an indication, especially where street lighting is inadequate or absent, or where the cyclist has dark clothing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of signal for the safety of cyclists which does not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art discussed in the foregoing.

[0004] The present invention has a cyclist’s glove comprising an outside layer provided with source means and further comprising activation means for the source means, wherein the activation means comprises a contact switch accommodated beneath the outside layer between a hand entered into the glove and the outside layer, the arrangement being such that the switch is operable by pressure applied on the switch and the switch is protected from contamination by dirt or grime or the elements.

[0005] In another preferred embodiment, comprising an inner lining layer and wherein the contact switch is accommodated between the lining layer and the outer layer.

[0006] In another preferred embodiment, a portion of the outer layer adjacent the contact switch is reinforced to reduce wear and tear of the outer layer in that region, the said portion is reinforced by a resilient plastics material cap.

[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the contact switch is located adjacent the forefinger of a hand inserted in the glove, the arrangement being such that the light source may be operated by pressure applied on the contact switch by the thumb of the same hand or by urging the forefinger against handlebars of a cycle.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the light source means comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

[0009] The present invention can be more fully understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view from one side and above of the top side of a right handed glove according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view from one side of the under (or palm) side of the glove shown in figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A glove according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in figure l.The glove comprises an outer layer 11 of a waterproof and breathable fabric material such as Gortex (TM). The outer layer is configured in the form of a conventional glove with four fingers 12 and a thumb 13. The glove has cuff or wrist band portion 15 provided with an elastic tightening band (not shown) which ensures a snug fit around the wrist of a hand entered in to the glove. An upper portion 22 of the outside layer 11 is formed with a line of four spaced apart circular holes 16. In each of these holes is located a light emitting diode 17, 18, 19 and 20. Each diode is soldered to an elongate fiat PCB (printed circuit board) back plate 21 shown in dashed lines in the figure and accommodated underneath and generally parallel to the plane of the upper portion 22 of the outer layer. The PCB is positioned between the knuckle and the wrist of the hand. In this location the hand is flat, and remains so during movement of the hand. Thus there is no tendency for the delicate PCB to be bent or stressed during normal use of the glove.

[0013] The index finger 1 of the glove is provided with a push button 25 shown in dashed lines in figure 1. The push button is disposed underneath the outer layer 11 at a location corresponding to the thumb 13 side of the knuckle of the index finger, as shown in figure 1. The push button is fixed in position by gluing or sewing to create a suitable pocket. The liner is of a shape corresponding to that of the glove 10, but of slightly reduced dimensions so that it may be entered into and accommodated inside the glove. The liner is made from synthetic insulating material. The PCB 21 is attached to the liner, conveniently by gluing or stitching. The push button 25 is similarly attached, to the knuckle of the index finger sheath 50 of the liner.

[0014] In figure 2 an underside 26 of the wrist portion 15 of the glove is shown formed with a pocket 30 which defines internally thereof a compartment in which is removably retained two AAA-type batteries 32 and 33. The batteries are carried in a tray 40 attached to the glove liner 9. The pocket portion comprises a first portion 27 which is adapted to co-operate for releasable engagement with a second portion 28 so that the batteries may be replaced when expended.

[0015] Electrical connections between the batteries and the light emitting diodes are made by wires 34 and 35 (the positions of which are shown as dashed lines in figure 1). Electrical connections between the light emitting diodes and the push button are made by wires 36 and 37. A logic circuit (not shown) forms part of the PCB 21 and controls and regulates signals to the light emitting diodes according to activation states selected by the push button. The activation states in this embodiment are: OFF; flashing ON; OFF etc.

[0016] In use the cyclist wears a pair of gloves described in the foregoing (adapted for left and right hand use as appropriate). When it is desired to execute a left turn, the push button on the left hand is pressed, typically by squeezing the knuckle of the index finger against the cyclist's handlebar, and the LED's begin to flash. The arm is then outstretched to the left with the upper portion of the glove carrying the LED's faring the rear of the cyclist, thereby indicating to following traffic the direction change the cyclist will make. When the manoeuvre has been completed the hand is returned to the handle bar and the knuckle squeezed against the handlebar to press the push button and return the LED's to the OFF state. Naturally, the glove can also be used to indicate to oncoming traffic by holding the upper surface of the glove towards the oncoming traffic.

Claims (5)

1. A cyclist’s glove comprising an outside layer provided with source means and further comprising activation means for the light source means, wherein the activation means comprises a contact switch accommodated beneath the outside layer between a hand entered into the glove and the outside layer, the arrangement being such that the switch is operable by pressure applied on the switch and the switch is protected from contamination by dirt or grime or the elements.

2. A cyclist’s glove according to claim 1, wherein comprising an inner lining layer and wherein the contact switch is accommodated between the lining layer and the outer layer.

3. A cyclist’s glove according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the outer layer adjacent the contact switch is reinforced to reduce wear and tear of the outer layer in that region, the said portion is reinforced by a resilient plastics material cap.

4. A cyclist’s glove according to claim 1, wherein the contact switch is located adjacent the forefinger of a hand inserted in the glove, the arrangement being such that the light source may be operated by pressure applied on the contact switch by the thumb of the same hand or by urging the forefinger against handlebars of a cycle.

5. A cyclist’s glove according to claim 1, wherein the light source means comprises one or more light emitting diodes.